Part 2: Dorothy explains that cross country riding is more about changing the shape of the horse than changing their speed, and likens this to changing gear in a stick shift. She goes on to explain what each gear is and examples where it would be appropriate, including different cross country elements. Dorothy shares what aids she uses to communicate to the horse which gear to use, with thorough explanation and examples of body position, and how this technologically affects the horse.
Up Next in Cross-Country
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Galloping Gears For Cross Country - P...
Part 1: Dorothy works with a rider to finesse her position and aides. They focus on achieving the correct motion in the elbows, with Dorothy encouraging her to think of a row boat motion and brushing the fabric of her shirt with her elbows. The rider works at trot while Dorothy coaches her to imp...
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First Spring Cross Country School - T...
Phillip Dutton, six-time Olympian and current Olympic team member, guides several horse and rider pairs through their first spring outing cross country. With an emphasis on calm rides while keeping the horse responsive to the leg, his instruction works for all levels of riders.
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First Spring Cross Country School - P...
It’s all about the water. In this wonderful schooling facility there are many options to practice different combinations. The emphasis is on riding them calmly, not over riding and making it a good experience for the horse. Each rider and horse combination is given a different route through the c...
